WEST FARGO—Less than two years after opening, the Rustad Recreation Center here will soon double in size, adding an indoor playground and turf playing field.
The West Fargo Park District is planning a $7.68 million expansion of the Rustad Center at 601 26th Ave. E. by adding 55,095 square feet of space to the southwestern side of the building that opened in August 2016.
The expansion will add a second gymnasium, indoor turf field with batting cages, two new classrooms and a dedicated arts and crafts room.
Executive Director Barb Erbstoesser said it has become clear with the popularity of the Rustad Center and park district programs that more space was needed.
"The attendance for our programs has just gone through the roof since Rustad opened," said Erbstoesser, who celebrated 30 years with the district in February. "We are really excited about this. Rustad has been well loved by the community and we are excited to see what the future brings."
Recreation Manager Lance Belisle said the 70-yard by 35-yard turf field will be used for flag football, soccer, lacrosse and other sports, and it will be available for private rental.
Erbstoesser said the district looked at available amenities around the metro from pools to weight rooms and found indoor turf space to be the least common.
"There's really nothing else like what this will be in the area," she said.
The expansion will allow one of the current gym spaces to be turned into an indoor playground, which will have equipment for young children.
"What you would see outside on a playground is what you'll see inside," said Justin Germundson, park district business manager.
Erbstoesser said the district has found few opportunities for children 2 to 5 years old in the community, but a new indoor space would give young children and parents a place to visit year-round.
As part of the project, the current four-lane track on the upper floor will be extended.
"The walking track is probably the most-used amenity here," Erbstoesser said.
The existing inside lane is currently 11 laps per mile and will change to 8 laps per mile, while the existing outside lane is currently 10 laps per mile and will change to 7.4 laps per mile, said Jim Cole, project manager for Zerr Berg Architects.
The Park Board approved the project at a special meeting on Monday, March 26.
Germundson said the project will be paid for without raising the district levy as older bonds the district has passed will be paid off in the next few districts, allowing the district to use current bond funds.
After construction is finished and playground equipment is purchased, Germundson expects the project's total cost to be around $8.1 million, which is still below initial estimates of the project.
"The first time you came to us, the number thrown at us was almost $11 million," Board Member Todd Rheault said.
The current 44,612-square-foot building houses the relocated park district administrative office, includes two basketball courts, four volleyball courts, a one-tenth mile track, pickleball courts, a youth gym, a lobby for gatherings, outdoor patio space, spaces for meetings and events, concessions, retractable bleachers and bathrooms with showers.
The Rustad Recreation Center is free to the public with no memberships, though some specific classes and sports leagues require fees. It was named after Oscar and Martha Rustad, who donated the land for the building.
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